Barcelona's Port Vell will host the new Blaumarí Music Festival from 10 June, featuring a unique floating stage for 16 performances. This ambitious project aims to transform the city's waterfront into a major cultural hub.
A Unique Floating Stage
The festival's centrepiece is a 38-tonne floating platform. It will house a 26-metre-wide by 14-metre-deep stage. Promoters Martín Pérez, Carlos Pérez, and Martín Pérez junior are behind the event. Martín Pérez senior, a veteran promoter, described himself as "an expert in first editions."
The stage will sit on the Barcelona dock, opposite the World Trade Center. Cranes are currently installing the modules for its base. Martín Pérez assured musicians the stage "will not move an inch." The land-based seating area will hold between 2,450 and 3,800 people. It offers views of the city skyline as a backdrop for evening concerts. David Pino, director of Port Vell, stated, "We have opened the port to the citizenry; we want the people of Barcelona to come."
Diverse Musical Line-up
The Blaumarí Music Festival runs until 28 June. It features a diverse line-up of artists. Rosana will open the festival on 10 June. She celebrates 30 years of her album Lunas rotas. Other acts include jazz artist Kamasi Washington and The Cardigans. Singer-songwriter Xoel López and symphonic rock band Alan Parsons will also perform. Rufus Wainwright will close the event on 28 June.
Organisers plan for concerts to finish between 23:00 and 23:30. This helps attendees use public transport for their return journeys. Martín Pérez junior guaranteed no acoustic issues for nearby residents. He noted the stage's projection prevents sound disturbance.
Gastronomy and Emerging Talent
The festival also includes a second floating platform. This platform will host a "village" area. It offers a gastronomic selection from the BN group. This group manages a dozen restaurants in Barcelona. These include Skyfall at the Hyatt Regency in L'Hospitalet. Jardinet d’Aribau and The Circle cocktail bar are also part of the offering. The Circle is Europe's first cocktail bar created and run by women. It will offer an exclusive cocktail during Blaumarí.
The village will also feature performances by emerging artists. Some veteran acts will also appear. These include folk singer-songwriter Raquel Lúa and pop artist Lecocq. Drummer Anton Jarl's trio and urban artist Belén Natali are scheduled. Jazz double bassist Martín Leiton will also perform. The village will stay open until 01:30.
Connecting Barcelona to the Port
Martín Pérez senior explained the festival combines "two words: Mediterranean and urban." He highlighted the venue's easy access. It is close to Barcelona's ring roads. Metro Line 3, operated by Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB), is nearby. A car park with space for 900 cars and 500 motorcycles is available. "This festival is for the people of Barcelona," he insisted.
The village section, including its adjacent platform, will remain open throughout July. It will offer themed nights. Wednesdays will feature Latin music. Fridays will focus on pop and rumba. This extended programme aims to encourage local engagement.
International and Local Stars
The project was first conceived in 2023. However, it could not be realised at that time. Martín Pérez junior acknowledged a challenge. "Barcelonans find it hard to come down to the port," he said. This is despite the area's significant tourist presence in summer. He envisions the space as a daily escape. "It will be a space where people can go every day after work or wherever to disconnect and enjoy outdoor music."
The full line-up includes more international and local talent. Piper Carlos Núñez and André Reyes' Gipsy Kings will perform. Sau30, a tribute band to Sau led by Pep Sala, is also on the bill. Nile Rodgers, a disco music pioneer, will appear. He is known for hits like "Le Freak" and "Good Times." Rodgers has collaborated with Madonna and David Bowie. Ali Campbell, the voice of UB40, will also perform. He will sing classics such as "Red Red Wine" and "Kingston Town." Soul and R&B fans can see Joss Stone on 24 June. She is known for "Super Dupe Love." Manchester indie band James, led by Tim Booth, will review their four-decade career. The festival also includes Habaneras evenings with Arjau i Mariners de Riera. The Ópera Popular de Barcelona will present La Traviata. DJ sessions are also planned. "We want each person to find their night," the director noted.
The Blaumarí Music Festival represents a significant effort to integrate Port Vell more closely with city life. Its innovative floating stage and diverse programming aim to attract both residents and visitors. This initiative seeks to establish a new cultural landmark for Barcelona.
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Originally published by La Vanguardia Catalonia. Read original article.
